‘A small act of patriotism’: Canada’s anti-Maga hats go viral

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A select few clothing items have become synonymous with American far-right nationalism in the 21st century, and the red "Make America Great Again" hats worn and sold by Donald Trump are a prime example. However, this week, the popular - and polarizing - headwear may have finally met its equal.

Before a high-stakes meeting with Canadian leaders to discuss US tariffs, Ontario Premier Doug Ford walked into the summit while wearing a hat emblazoned with a defiant message: “CANADA IS NOT FOR SALE”.

Canadian leaders are still working to come up with a response to the threat of a trade war with the country's closest ally if Trump follows through on his promise to impose heavy tariffs on all Canadian goods and services.

In the midst of a national emergency, the novelty cap has unexpectedly become a symbol of togetherness.

Canada's provincial leaders are in disarray over the country's response to tariffs threatened by Trump

The hat's creators describe it as having been a "wild ride, almost surreal, over the past few days".

Liam Mooney, who runs a design firm in Ottawa with his fiancée Emma Cochrane, stated the hat was created as a direct response to a popular Fox News segment where the host, Jesse Watters, mocked Ford about Trump's threat to annex Canada.

"If I were a resident of another nation and I lived next to the United States, I would count it a distinction to be taken over by the United States of America," Watters said to the Ontario leader.

Mooney and Cochrane were "shocked" at the hostile interview and spent the next few hours working on a "creative response" to the threats made by Trump.

The outcome was a cap with a design of a specific typeface from Canada and a straightforward yet firm message. “It was a small expression of patriotism to counter these massive threats and this loud boasting,” said Mooney.

to the online store.

The couple has sold over 5,000 hats, earning more than $270,000, with over 150 of them being purchased in the United States.

The Conservative Ontario leader's appearance with a hat garnered praise from his Canadian political rivals, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly.

Really desire this hat!!!" the country's former Liberal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna posted on X. "And thanks to Doug Ford for taking the lead on #TeamCanada.

Even the Manitoba premier, Wab Kinew – a progressive often at odds with Ford – joked that he liked it: “Great hat, I hope they make that in an orange.”

Mooney, eager to make the most of the opportunity, claimed he had spent hours ensuring Kinew receives a hat that matches the left-leaning New Democratic party's colors.

The threat of a severe trade war has compelled Canada's political leaders to put aside their differences over policy and ideology, presenting a united front.

“Canadian pride is something we can really rely on right now. And there are a few things that unite Canadians more, for better or for worse, than our neighbor to the south,” said Kinew after the premiers talked with Trudeau.

But the need for a unified front has become even more pressing after the conservative premier of the oil-rich western province of Alberta seemed to go against the grain, refusing to sign a joint statement from the other leaders and the prime minister.

Danielle Smith did not attend the meeting in Ottawa in person. Instead, she joined virtually. She was also not present at the press conference with Trudeau and the other provincial leaders.

– including natural gas, oil and electricity – as a retaliatory measure. Canadian federal ministers have also suggested imposing tariffs on exports to the United States of critical minerals such as uranium, potash, germanium, zinc, nickel, copper, and graphite.

Smith, whose provincial economy is heavily reliant on exporting oil to the United States, has strongly opposed this idea.

Alberta will flatly refuse to accept tariffs on our energy and other exports, and we cannot agree to a ban on shipping these same exports. We'll take all necessary measures to safeguard the living standards of Albertans against these damaging federal policies.

The position has divided top conservative leaders, with Ford, who is responsible for managing a $1 trillion economy, openly expressing growing frustration over Smith's refusal to even consider stopping energy exports.

"That's her decision. I have a slightly different viewpoint: protect your area, but your nation comes first," he said to the press, cautioning "we can't have divisions" across the country.

“Don't let someone knock you around forcibly without striking back with equal force.”